Sunbeds in Pregnancy: Are They Safe?
If you're used to a regular sunbed session before a holiday or special occasion, pregnancy is a good time to break the habit. Sunbeds aren't recommended at any point in pregnancy, and the reasons are more about your own skin and health than any direct risk to your baby.
Why sunbeds aren't recommended
Sunbeds emit concentrated UV radiation, which damages skin cells and is a well-established cause of premature skin ageing and skin cancer, including melanoma, regardless of whether you're pregnant. Pregnancy hormones make this worse in a specific way: many people develop patches of darker skin pigmentation, known as melasma or "the mask of pregnancy," on the face and other sun-exposed areas. UV exposure from sunbeds can trigger or deepen this pigmentation, and it can be slow to fade after birth. Pregnant skin can also burn more easily, and overheating from any source, including a warm sunbed session, is best avoided.
Is there a direct risk to the baby?
There's no strong evidence that sunbed use directly harms your developing baby the way, for example, alcohol or smoking can. The main concerns are about your own skin health and comfort. That said, because sunbeds offer no health benefit and carry a clear cancer risk, UK guidance is to avoid them in pregnancy — and ideally at any time — rather than take an unnecessary risk for a cosmetic effect.
Safer ways to get a tan
- Self-tanning products (fake tan) are considered safe to use throughout pregnancy. They work by staining the top layer of dead skin cells and aren't absorbed in a way that's known to cause harm, though it's sensible to do a patch test first as pregnancy skin can be more reactive.
- Spray tans work the same way as home self-tanners and are generally fine, though some people prefer to avoid inhaling the fine mist by asking for a barrier cream around the nose or wearing a mask during application.
- Natural sunlight in moderation is a good source of vitamin D, but always use SPF 30 or higher, seek shade in the middle of the day, and avoid deliberately trying to tan or burn.
Looking after sun-sensitive skin
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in the UK, especially on your face if you're prone to melasma.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors if pigmentation is a concern for you.
- Remember the NHS advises everyone, including pregnant women, to take a 10mcg vitamin D supplement daily, particularly through autumn and winter when sunlight is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sunbeds safe in pregnancy?
No, sunbeds aren't recommended in pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones make your skin more prone to sunburn and pigmentation changes like melasma, and sunbeds carry the same established skin cancer risk they do outside of pregnancy. There's no direct evidence they harm the baby, but it's best to avoid them and use self-tanning products instead.
Can I use fake tan in pregnancy?
Yes, self-tanning products and spray tans are generally considered safe throughout pregnancy, as they work on the skin's surface rather than being absorbed in a way linked to harm. It's a good idea to do a patch test first, since pregnancy can make skin more sensitive or reactive than usual.
Will pregnancy pigmentation from sun exposure go away after birth?
For most people, melasma and other pregnancy-related pigmentation fades gradually in the months after birth as hormone levels return to normal, though it can take longer for some and occasionally persists. Using daily SPF and avoiding sunbeds during and after pregnancy can help prevent it from worsening or becoming more stubborn.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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